Speaking of Leadership®, Vol. 2, No. 1
Phil Holberton

When I imagine stretching, I think of waking up in the morning and moving my arms and legs to shake out the aches and pains in my muscles and bones. When I was a kid growing up, my coaches would emphasize stretching so I would achieve maximum performance-no matter what the sport-football swimming, baseball, or track & field. It was never easy and wasn't a lot of fun, but I knew it was important for my overall performance. Stretching provided the obvious physical benefits, but it also forced me to focus on the game-the task-ahead. It was the time when body, mind, and spirit came together to work as one.

Although we usually consider stretching to be a physical action, it can be so much more. Stretching can be taking a difficult course or volunteering for something that makes you a little uncomfortable. Simply put, stretching is trying something where success isn't guaranteed. It's about taking risks and adding breadth to our lives.

I have found that stretching, the physical type not excluded, becomes more important as we grow older. We need new challenges to keep us fresh. Several years ago, my then 6-year-old son gave me a Christmas gift-a one-month trial period for martial arts. After four years of hard work, I earned, and I mean earned a 1^st degree black belt. But, it's not about earning the black belt that's important. It's about attempting it-feeling silly in front of my classmates, being exhausted after class, dealing with unfamiliar material... but still sticking with it. I was extending myself physically and emotionally.

On a professional level, stretching may encompass learning a new functional skill. You might be asked to expand your job description or take on a new leadership challenge. Of course, these efforts won't be easy the first few weeks, but you will make mistakes, learn, and become comfortable in time. It's much like the first time you bent over and tried to touch your toes. The stretch was tough, maybe even a little painful, but the more you did it, the easier it became. You became more flexible, more versatile, and the same will happen when you stretch professionally.

When we were younger, we had an appetite for stretching, for taking risk. Whether it was riding a bicycle or driving our first automobile, taking a risk seemed much easier-we had less to lose if we failed. But as we grew into being professionals, this appetite for risk taking began to sour. We became more sensitive to what our peers were thinking, or better yet, what they were saying about us behind our back. We wanted to fit in and didn't want to "look" like a fool. We became hesitant in stepping out of our comfort zone. However, it's at the edge of that comfort zone where the greatest potential for growth and success lies.

Stretching in mind, body, and spirit will expand our realm of experiences and enrich our lives. Uncomfortable at times, it allows us to grow as individuals.

As we begin the New Year, I encourage you to think about where you are professionally. Speak with your boss and mutually agree on an activity or assignment that will stretch you professionally. Also, think of integrating one new activity into your life that will stretch you and consequently deepen your experience as a human being.

Now Ask Yourself... Am I A Leader?